Draconis: So Vice Commander, how are you vice commanding?
Kenshin: (furrows brow.) That was a terrible joke.
Draconis: (slumps) I know...
Akatama: How are things going in the desert?
Kenshin: Still tunneling, or pathing rather.
Draconis: Ah yes, we're still doing this. Well let's get started.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 52
To Rise Up
Draconis: Begin!
(start) (A/N: Also Flashback resume)
It had been almost two weeks since Kenshin and the Youkai Revolution had set out to complete the steps in Kenshin's plan. They almost had the path completely dug through. It got wider at the end so the funneling could take place. Kenshin looked up as he and several demons moved rocks freshly scattered by either their fists, his or Granberia's swords or one of Yubelluna's spells. "Hey Jordan!"
"What is it?" Jordan called back from his vantage point the air.
"How close are we?" Kenshin said.
"It's not too much further, but could you come up here!" Jordan said.
"Tag out Alma, Granberia." Kenshin said.
"Sure thing." Alma said.
"On it." Granberia said
Kenshin flew up to where Jordan was. "Aah, I see you've gotten your spots carved out along the mountain range." He said.
"Yes, but that's not what I called you up here for." Jordan said. "Look past the mountain range from one of our layouts."
Kenshin landed on the harpies' archery spot and looked out. "Where am I supposed to be looking?"
"Out toward the ocean." Jordan said landing next to him.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes. He saw boats in the water. "What are those."
"When we were forced from Hellgondo, Forbesii put a naval blockade between there and Sentora. That's part of it." Jordan said.
"Hn..." Kenshin said.
"Your plan didn't account for an attack by sea, did it?" Jordan asked.
"No it didn't." Kenshin furrowed his brow.
"Then should we stop digging the path?" Jordan asked.
"And tell them what? I made a miscalculation and your nearly two weeks of backbreaking labor have been for nothing?" Kenshin asked. "No, we'll continue."
"What will you do?" Jordan asked.
"Tell me Jordan, does the air feel humid to you?" Kenshin asked.
"?" Jordan glanced at him. "Why?"
"Just answer the question." Kenshin said.
"Well...yes, but I fail to see what that has to do with the matter at hand." Jordan said.
"Hmn...I think there's going to be a storm tonight." Kenshin said.
"?" Jordan looked around, there were clouds in the sky, but not many. "How do you figure that?"
"Trust me." Kenshin said. "In the meantime, I've been meaning to ask you something."
"What is it?" Jordan asked.
"The harpies are female only race, like the lamias, yet you are clearly one of them. What's up with that?" Kenshin asked.
"You don't know a whole lot about Makai do you?" Jordan asked.
"My clan's been banished for years. What do you expect?" Kenshin asked.
"True." Jordan said. "Well, every once in a GREAT while, the years aren't exactly clear. The Harpy Queen will have a male harpy child. It's usually near the end of the previous chieftain's life span."
"You call yourself the co-chi-" Kenshin was cut off.
"The male in the equation." Jordan said. "The harpy of royal lineage is the only one who can do this, not to say others haven't tried."
"I see." Kenshin said. "Interesting. The Devils and Fallen Angels back home are hindered by a low birth rate themselves."
"Fallen Angels?" Jordan said curiously.
"Eh, I'll explain later, or maybe I'll bring their leader with me sometime and he can explain it. Gotta warn you though, he's a bit of a loon." Kenshin said.
"Hey Kenshin! We punched a hole through the wall!" Inutora shouts.
"On my way down!" Kenshin said. "Anyway. Carry on Jordan, and...maybe put some lightning rods up here and come down with us for the night."
"Very well, but I still don't think it's gonna storm." Jordan said.
"Oh it will! Trust me!" Kenshin said as he jumped downward. He landed amongst the demons. "Alright ladies and gents. Take a break."
"But it's still early..." Alma said.
"Are you complaining about being given a break?" Kenshin said with a smile.
"!" Everyone took off. Kenshin walked through the doorway and flipped his hood on. He looked around. "Huh...so this is the Gold Region huh?" Kenshin said.
"Didn't the fox say your family's encampment was here?" Yuurei asked. "In this region anyway."
"I think so." Kenshin said. "Why do you care?"
"Eh, I'm bored, there's no battle going on, and I can't take you over right now." Yuurei said. "Not with your guard up."
"Right right." Kenshin said.
"But remember! If and when you let down, I'll be all over ya like that redhead you're in love with!" Yuurei said.
"Ugh, you had to make it weird." Kenshin groaned.
Kenshin walked over to the edge and looked down at the waters. "Hmm..." He takes out two large stacks of charms from his seals. "About a thousand should do." Kenshin said. He shuffles them together like a deck of cards,stacking them together. "Away you go!" He said throwing the stack as hard as he could, making it past the waves crashing toward the coast. "...those should be in position by the late afternoon where it should be really muggy and I'll make use of them right as the sun's starting to set. Good thing they still work even when wet and that I can even use them again.
He put his hand next to his ear as he walked back to the pathway. "Akatama, Akatama."
"Yeah? What is it?" Akatama asked
"Are you in position?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes." Akatama said. "Is it time?"
"Almost. We're nearly finished with the pathway." Kenshin said.
"Please let this start soon. Bureijin's bored and you know what happens when he gets bored...hell you've been here all of three weeks and you know what happens when he gets bored." Akatama said.
"What? Are you easing his-" Kenshin was cut off.
"No. I don't do dick and I don't intend to try dick." Akatama said.
"Anyway." Kenshin said. "When your scouts report an abundance of homunculus soldiers leaving Grangold, then you know what to do." Kenshin said.
"Got it." Akatama said.
"And one more thing. If you have to engage the ant demons, try not to rough them up too much." Kenshin said.
"We'll try and avoid them if we can." Akatama said.
"Good idea. We'll make contact after the job is done." Kenshin said.
"Got it. Akatama out." Akatama said.
(break)
That Evening.
The last wall was close to toppling. "So Kenshin, it's getting close to night time and there are even less clouds than there were when you made the prediction." Jordan said.
"You said it was gonna rain?" Inutora said walking toward them. "Bad forecast, the sky's clearing, not clouding."
"Is it still muggy out?" Kenshin asked.
"?, Well yes..." Jordan said while Inutora looked confused.
"What are you all out here doing?" Kenshin, Jordan and Inutora turned to find Alma Elma, Granberia, and Yubelluna walking toward them.
"Arguing over what it's gonna do tonight." Inutora said pointing at the sky.
"Ara? Well it's obviously gonna storm at some point tonight." Alma Elma said.
"See? Alma knows what's up." Kenshin said with a grin.
"Hmn...Well it is awfully humid, all one would need is a shift in the air and it could very well do it." Granberia said.
"Seriously? You two are actually agreeing on something?" Jordan said with a disinterested look.
"We agree more often than you think Harpy-kun." Alma said with a wink as she wrapped her arms around Granberia, rubbing her hands along the dragonkin's armor, causing the plating to rub against her breasts.
"Get offa me!" Granberia snapped swatting her hands at Alma who dodged with a flustered look.
"Ara ara, Granby's so mean~!" Alma whined with a fake, yet cute pout.
"Ok bomb lady, what do you think? Rain or shine?" Inutora asked.
"U-Uhm, why are you asking me?" Yubelluna asked.
"Because we need to at least try and tie with Kenshin." Inutora said.
"Well..." Yubelluna said. "Kenshin's known as the Dragon of the Elements back home, if anyone knew it was going to rain, it'd be him..."
"Aagh." Inutora threw his hands up in the air.
"But...I think this is a miscalculation on his part." Yubelluna said.
"See Kenshin? Even the friend you brought here thinks you're wrong."Jordan said with a calm smile.
"OK." Kenshin shrugged. "Bag of gold coins says I'm right though."
"Sweet, could get some brews when we hit Sabasa." Inutora said. "I call."
"I don't have any money on me." Jordan said.
"Sorry boys I'm a little cash dry right now." Alma Elma said. "But if Kenshin-Chan's right I'll owe him a favor." Alma Elma said, lust shining behind her eyes. This went unnoticed by Kenshin.
"Feeling frisky again Alma?" Granberia drawled. "I'm not betting anything. I don't have any money nor do I wish to owe a favor."
"I'll match Kenshin's money bet." Yubelluna said.
"Ok, hope you're ready to pay up." Kenshin said as he turned toward the water. He had already informed everyone about the ships, but told them not to worry.
"?" Inutora, Jordan, Alma Elma and Granberia all watched as Kenshin's hands started moving at a blistering pace.
Kenshin clapped his hands together. "Bakahatsu Aikyou. One Thousand Dragon Flame Bullets!"
"? !" The five of them watched as a thousand columns of dragon shaped fire shot from the surface of the water and went skyward.
"There's the shift in air." Kenshin said.
"Oh what the hell? !" Inutora shouted seeing clouds forming in the skies.
"There's the clouds." Kenshin grinned.
"Unbelievable." Jordan sighed.
A rumble of thunder was heard as the wind started to pick up. "And there's the thunderstorm." Kenshin laughed. "I'll take that money now."
"This game was rigged!" Inutora said with a glare directed at Kenshin.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Kenshin responded coyly.
"Like fuck you don't! You cast that spell sending the flames skyward, you knew exactly what would happen, the bet's off!" Inutora fumed.
"How does that work exactly?" Granberia asked.
"The flames shot upward, sending the muggy air upward, creating an ascending air current, with all the warm, wet air, clouds were formed when they hit the cooler air above and they were obviously going to become thunderstorm clouds, because the air is still muggy underneath them and the ocean water is now heated up because of it, supplying the storm with fuel." Yubelluna said. Kenshin stared at her. "What? I remember when you did it to Raiser-Sama."
"Right, well." Kenshin said. "Because of all the hot water, that storm's gonna be there for awhile."
"Right, but what if the ships get away?" Granberia asked.
"Well Jordan said it was a blockade preventing people from getting to Hellgondo, so likely they have their anchors down and the sails tied up, by the time they get them both in order, the storm will be well underway." Kenshin said
(Boom!)
Kenshin turned as a random lightning bolt struck one of the ships. "Whew!" Kenshin whistled. "Or that could happen!"
Some of the troops came out as it started to rain. "Whoa! When did this thunderstorm get here!"
"Just now. Weather's a fickle thing ain't it?" Kenshin asked with a grin.
"Holy shit, that storm's wrecking havoc on those ships! Hey! Everyone, those ships are getting taken down by a storm!" They ran back into the path way.
"..." Jordan glanced at Kenshin. "Mind if I help out with this idea of yours?"
"Go for it." Kenshin said.
"I know what you're thinking Harpy-kun, let me help too." Alma Elma said with a wink.
"What are they doing?" Yubelluna asked.
"Using wind magic to direct the storm east." Granberia said. "You're trying to destroy the blockade aren't you?"
"That's the idea." Jordan said. "Or at the very least, get all the ships to make port."
"Go to sleep after you're done, this has to be exhausting." Kenshin said.
"We will." Jordan said.
"You're right, creating the storm is nothing, directing it? Another story altogether." Alma Elma said.
"Part of me kinda wishes we had Dulio here." Kenshin said.
"You mean the wielder of Zenith Tempest? Yes, I suppose he would come in handy here." Yubelluna said.
"Yeah, but at the same time it would kinda cheapen the effort wouldn't it?" Kenshin said. "Besides he's probably got other shit to worry about."
"Well he is Heaven's Joker." Yubelluna said.
"What are you two talking about?" Inutora asked.
"Oh, just someone we know of back home." Kenshin said. "His name's Dulio Gesualdo, he has an object called Zenith Tempest, it allows him to control the weather."
"Seriously?" Inutora said with a surprised look. "That's broken."
"You think that's something, I know two guys with objects that allow them to both double their own power every ten seconds, and transfer it to others, or divide their opponent's power after successfully attacking them every ten seconds." Kenshin said.
"That's even more broken!" Inutora shouts.
"And I've fought and beaten them both." Kenshin grinned.
"Pfft!" Inutora sputtered.
"Hahahahaha!" Kenshin laughed. "You just gotta know how to fight them is all. Alright back to work."
"We're about done here." Jordan said.
"Alright, when you come back in we'll knock down this wall." Kenshin said.
(break)
The Next Afternoon.
The pathway had been completed, and everyone was clearing away rocks when the ground began to shake. "? !" Yubelluna looked around. "An Earthquake?"
"...No." Inutora said looking out east with a smirk. "They're here."
"Jordan! Get a harpy down here and keep Yubelluna with you!" Kenshin said.
One of the harpies came down and picked up Yubelluna. "You know what to do." Kenshin nodded.
"Yes." Yubelluna nodded.
"...My god..." One of the soldiers said with wide eyes, seeing the sheer numbers across the field.
"This is what you signed up for! In position!" Granberia ordered.
"In position! !" The troops chorused as everyone moved and prepared for battle.
"If even one of them gets by, this mission is considered a failure!" Inutora shouts.
"We hold them here! By Youkai law we fight!" Granberia shouts.
"We will survive this day!" Alma Elma shouts.
"For them however it is a different story!" Jordan shouts.
"Today is yours men and women of Makai, no one, not even them! Can take that from you!" Kenshin said.
"Youkai! Throw down your weapons! !" One of the Homunculus leaders shouts.
Suddenly a spear ripped through his chest, destroying his core. "Very poor choice of words!" Kenshin shouts.
"You want our weapons? ! They're yours! Provided you can take them from us!" Granberia yells.
"Take everything you can from them! Leave nothing! Give nothing!" Inutora said as the homuncli charged forward.
"But most of all, win this battle!" Kenshin shouts as he held his swords in a defensive stance in front of him.
The Homunculus army crashed into the youkai wall. "Grh! Is that the best you can do? !" Kenshin shouts.
"On my mark, Heave...Ho!" Inutora shouts as they shoved off the homunculi, slashing, stabbing or slicing where their cores were.
"Aim for the cores!" Granberia said. "We don't want them taking us out from behind! If you miss, the next man up will get them!"
"Right!" The troops shout.
Jordan nodded toward his battalion leaders. "Fire! Fire All!" Arrows rained down on the homunculi, expertly aimed with precise timing to strike their cores. "Any time you're ready Yubelluna-San." Jordan said.
"On it." Yubelluna said. She held her hands out and concentrated. Suddenly sections of where the homuncli were running exploded. "They just keep coming..." Yubelluna said.
"I know, we just have to be stronger." Jordan said. "Fire! Keep your aim on the ones charging in! Leave the ones that have already made it to the ground forces!" "We don't need to have any cases of friendly fire!"
"Push forward!" Kenshin shouts. "If anyone goes by you, leave them for the ones behind you! If you are the last line, run them down!"
"Dragon Butcher!" Granberia shouts cleaving a crowd of homunculi in two.
"Earth Mantis' Seething Fury!" Inutora shouts running forward dicing any homunculus stupid enough to get in his way. Into bits.
"Try not to go too far Inutora!" Kenshin said.
"I'll be fine!" Inutora said.
"Don't worry about him, he's an earth magic user. The arrows won't harm him." Granberia said.
"That's not necessarily what I'm concerned about." Kenshin said he took down several homunculi with his naginata.
"Oh Yubelluna, right." Granberia said.
A crowd of homunculi were punched back by Alma Elma. "Shamshir!"
A violent burst of wind sliced them all to bits. "Kenshin! Kenshin!" Akatama's voice rang in his head.
"What is it Akatama? ! I'm kind of busy!" Kenshin said as he dodged multiple slashes and stabs from homunculi.
"Shit, they're there already?" Akatama said. "They just left last night."
"Well, you know what to do, Kenshin out!" Kenshin said.
"Kenshin-Chan look out!" Alma Elma shouts.
"? !" Kenshin was knocked to the ground by a behemoth. "Grrh!" Kenshin grabbed it's wrists and held it back. It drove it's head forward, forcing Kenshin's grip off. Kenshin crossed his arms and blocked a punch from it's massive fist. "Grraaah!" Kenshin growled as it roared down at him.
(Stab!)
Quills stabbed into it's skull stunning it. "Cursed Sword: Decapitation!" Granberia sliced it's head off and shoved it off him. She extended her hand and helped Kenshin to his feet.
"Aah, thanks." Kenshin nodded and sent a salute to Jordan.
"You're strong, but you have your moments of weakness." Granberia said.
"It's called not having the spirits." Kenshin said as he looked back down. "!" He grabbed Granberia and pulled her down on top of him as a barrage of spears sailed over them.
"What was that for?" Granberia said with a cross look.
"You were about to be turned into a scaly pincushion by some Serene Mind using spear throwers." Kenshin said as they got back up. "That was a moment of weakness from you."
"?" Granberia looked over and saw the spears in the ground where other demons had dodged or had been skewered. "Oh, thanks for looking out."
"No problem." Kenshin nodded.
Granberia charged the spearmen. "Vaporizing Rebellion Sword!" Granberia shouts cutting through them and many more.
Kenshin reaching into his seals and took out a few black charms. "Gekietsu Kumori no Mai! Slicing Shadows!"
Shadow tendrils shot out of the charm as he threw it in the air and attacked the Homuncli hordes. After a few moments they all retracted and the charm burned away. Kenshin looked over and saw they were running out of wall. "Fall! Fall!" Kenshin shouts. The youkai moved backward, responding to Kenshin's code word.
Inutora and Granberia came back. "Why did you order us back?" Inutora asked.
"We're running out of wall. The second we leave this path way we open ourselves up." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin! !" Jordan shouts.
"What is it? !" Kenshin said
"Incoming!" Jordan shouts.
"!" Kenshin looked up, arrows and magic alike were hurtling toward them. "Defensive Position!"
Inutora nodded and punched the ground with both hands. "Terra Wall!" An earth wall shot out of the ground in front of him, covering more of the pathway.
"That's not going to be enough!" Kenshin said running up the wall to the top. His left eye beginning to glow. "Let's see how this gift from Great Red works out." He said to himself as he reached the top. "Yume Shouheki!" A large barrier hovered over the wall and blocked all the magic attacks.
"A few a few moments passed, the barrage ended and Kenshin canceled out the barrier. "Haa...haa.." He panted as he jumped down.
"Are you OK Kenshin-Chan?" Alma asked seeing him hold his left eye.
"Yeah, that move just takes a lot out of me." Kenshin said as he took some water and poured it into his eye to wash the blood out.
"Take a break then?" Inutora suggested.
"I didn't come up with the plan just to sit out when it's getting fun." Kenshin said. "Alma, use your Shamshir technique on this wall."
"As you wish." Alma said floating upward. "Shamshir!"
The violent burst of wind turned the wall into a wall of earth spears, firing into the ranks of the homunculi. "Nice!" Inutora pumped his fist up.
"Thank you, Thank you." Alma said with a giggle as she landed.
Another round of explosions went off in the homunculi's ranks. "Whew!" Inutora whistled. "So that's why she's called the Bomb Queen!"
"Hahaha, yep." Kenshin chuckled.
"She's really been a boon to our forces." Granberia said as more homunculi charged them.
"Yeah, I'm gonna owe her Master quite the pretty penny for her services." Kenshin said readying his blades. "Alright, let's get to work!"
Hours passed as the battle raged on. Night was falling when a mud doll approached Kenshin as he takes out his next victim. "?" He looked down and picked it up. "What is it?" The doll turned into a letter. It read.
"If your charms are in position I'll activate them to cover your escape."
Gnome
"Awesome." Kenshin said
"What is that?" Granberia asked.
"A way out." Kenshin said.
The next moment Akatama's voice rang in Kenshin's ears. "Kenshin! Kenshin!"
Kenshin put his hand next to his ear. "What is it?"
"We've got the Ant Queen, I repeat we have the Ant Queen." Akatama said.
"Copy that. What's your position?" Kenshin said.
"We're proceeding quickly through the forest connecting Noah and Gold with her and her daughters. Now would be an opportune time to pull back." Akatama said.
"Right." Kenshin said. "Jordan! How are your people doing on arrows? !"
"We're almost out!" Jordan shouts.
"And Yubelluna? !" Kenshin asked.
"She's exhausted!" Jordan said.
"Alright, Everyone Fall back! Fall back! !" Kenshin shouts.
"Seriously?" Inutora said as he, Granberia, Kenshin, and Alma all retreated with the troops.
"The job is done, we aren't here to fight the entire force that Forbesii has here." Kenshin said.
"A lot of the troops were getting worn out too." Alma Elma said.
"Still what do we do about this path?" Granberia asked.
"Let me worry about that." Kenshin said.
It took ten minutes of non stop sprinting, but eventually they saw the other side of the pathway. "God I'd never thought I'd be so happy to see desert." One of the troops said.
"Right?" Kenshin laughed as he ran ahead. He found Gnome sitting on a sand dune as he exited. "Thank you for your help." Kenshin said.
"..." Gnome nodded.
"When all the demons clear the passage, seal it." Kenshin said.
"..." Gnome nodded again.
"Good thing I thought ahead and laid the charms down as we dug the passageway." Kenshin said as youkai poured out.
The sand at her feet wrote words. "It will make this considerably easier."
A few minutes passed and there was a gap in between those coming out. "Alright, close it!" Kenshin said.
Gnome's hands moved quickly, flying through the handsigns. Suddenly the rock walls and floor began to move, new earth being created as a peak sprung out of the ground blocking the hole.
"Alright men, finish the stragglers!" Kenshin ordered.
Gnome lowered her hands after they were finished. The sand at her feet began to write again. "There, now give me your map."
Kenshin did as she asked. "What is it?" She gathered magic on her fingertip and drew on the map. She handed it back to him. He looked and saw a 'G' on the desert area of the map. "So I can find you later?"
"..." Gnome nodded.
"OK, thanks again." Kenshin said with a smile.
Gnome vanished and Kenshin looked around. "Everyone make it out OK?" He asked.
"I'm fine." Inutora said.
"I'm alright." Granberia said.
"I'm OK Kenshin-Chan." Alma said.
"Jordan got in touch with me earlier, he wanted me to tell you he was flying his people back to the base." Inutora said.
"Alright." Kenshin said. "No-"
"O-Oi! What's that!"
"!" Everyone's eyes snapped upward to see a bunch of harpy homunculi carrying what looked to be a large golem, Everyone prepared for battle when Kenshin shouted. "No! Fall back! I'll handle this one myself!"
"? !" Everyone looked over at him.
"Relax, I'll be fine, now go!" Kenshin ordered.
"You heard him! Move!" Inutora said. "You better come back!"
Everyone took off as Kenshin shot by and sliced at it's leg. It slowly turned toward him. "Ok Yuurei, I don't exactly have the bones to take this thing solo."
"Alright, let's do this." Yuurei said.
"I, who shall awaken, am the Dragon of the Elements who stole the Principles of Creation and Destruction from the Gods." Kenshin dodged a fist from the golem as he kept chanting. "I laugh at the Dream and pursue the Infinite, I will become the Black Dragon of Destruction, and I shall drive you to the darkest ends of all life itself. Juggernaut Drive!"
The Black Dragon of Destruction lifted Kenshin off the ground with it's head and roared. The golem responded by punching at his face. "Not today!" Yuurei said catching the golem's wrist and throwing it to the ground.
"!" Everyone stopped as they felt a quake through the sand. "What was that?" Granberia said.
"Did he throw that thing?" Inutora said with wide eyes.
"Maybe he knocked it down..." Alma suggested.
The golem got back up and broke off part of the mountain and threw it at the dragon. "Shit!" Yuurei said as it impacted them. The golem charged forward and brought both hands down onto the dragon's back. Yuurei responded by sinking the Black Dragon's teeth into it's stony leg. "Eeeww...it tastes dusty!" Yuurei complained.
"Focus!" Kenshin said.
"Yeah Yeah...yyaaarggh!" Yuurei shouts as he grabbed it's legs and flipped it over the Black Dragon's body. The Black Dragon's tail smacked it back to the ground, but the golem grabbed the tail, going to a kneel and throwing Yuurei and Kenshin against the mountain.
"Oh come on!" Kenshin said. "We can take the Ancient Dragon of Hellas, but we can't take this thing? !"
"Technically that was more me than you." Yuurei pointed out.
"Piss off and fight this thing!" Kenshin shouts as the golem missed a punch at the Black Dragon's face.
"Give me Zanryuu and I might!" Yuurei said.
"Aaaghh! Fine!" Kenshin shouts throwing the sword into the Black Dragon's hand. It became the large blade that Kenshin recalled from their time fighting what would later be named the Jabberwocky.
"You know I can also remotely make lances by the way." Yuurei said as the golem landed a few shots to the arm.
"Talk later finish now!" Kenshin said.
"Alright fine!" Yuurei said as the Black Dragon ducked under the next punch and slashed the spectral blade upward, cleaving the golem in two. It fell into two pieces, but did not move.
"Hmn, must not have been a homunculus." Kenshin said. "Say Yuurei, we've kinda got a working partnership going here right?"
"I suppose." Yuurei said.
"So why don't I get anything like Issei's Crimson Queen form?" Kenshin asked.
"Well partner we may be working together, but at the end of the day our partnership is out of necessity and I'm still dyin' to take you over." Yuurei said.
"Oh...Right." Kenshin said with a furrowed brow. "OK, you've had your fun and your influence is starting to give me a headache." Kenshin said ripping the tendril out.
"Whatever." Yuurei said as the Black Dragon vanished.
Kenshin walked over to where the encampment was only to find everyone staring at him wide eyed when he got there. "...What?" Kenshin asked.
"We saw you take out the golem Kenshin." Inutora said.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "So what then?"
"Have you always been able to do that?" Granberia asked.
"Yes and No." Kenshin said. "I was only able to do it very recently."
"Why haven't you done so more often then?" Alma asked.
"Because it's very draining and there's a spirit inside me that tries to take me over when I do use it." Kenshin said. "Not to mention, it's not really that useful on a war battlefield. Sure I could take on the armies of Forbesii more easily, but at the same time I could inadvertently kill my allies and if I get taken over, I will inadvertently kill my allies."
"Last question...can we trust you?" Inutora said.
"..." Kenshin walked past him. "Make that decision for yourselves. Nothing I say will ease your minds."
"...That tears it." Inutora said turning around and wrapping his arm around Kenshin's shoulder. "So, a job well done yeah?"
"...Huh?" Kenshin blinked.
"Yeah Kenshin-Chan. Aka-Chan got the Ant Queen out. We managed to get out of here with minimal losses. I'd say it's a very well done job." Alma said with a wink. "Feel free to cash in that favor whenever you want by the way."
"Uhm...?" Kenshin said.
"A grand plan you had Kenshin." Granberia said crossing her arms with a calm smirk.
"Well, don't expect another one any time soon because I'm bad at stra- so wait a minute you all trust me now?" Kenshin asked.
"You left the decision to us, instead of stammering out a list of reasons why we should." Inutora said. "That implies trust...so we responded."
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes with a smile. "I see...well." He turned toward them with a wide grin. "Mission Accomplished Everyone. Great Job on your parts. We'll rest tonight and make our way back to Port Natalia in the morning and when we do get back, well...first rounds on me." Kenshin said.
"Sir!" All the troops said.
(Break)
A few days later.
Port Natalia.
Kenshin and his troops had just arrived back at the Port. Akatama walked toward him with the Ant Queen Ari. "Alright, everyone you are dismissed, feel free to have a beer or a shot on me, tell the barkeep to put it on my tab. The troops left except for Inutora, Granberia and Alma.
"Where's Bureijin and Betie?" Alma asked.
"In town. Anyway Kenshin here she is, Queen of the Ant Demons. Ari-Sama this is Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi, the man who devised the plan to rescue you." Akatama said.
"..." Ari narrowed her eyes curiously. "I don't believe I've ever seen your face before."
"I've never lived in Makai ma'am." Kenshin said. "Plus my clan has been banished from Makai for a long time."
"Then what are you doing here?" Ari asked.
"I have a bone to pick with Maou Forbesii." Kenshin answered. "So, I figured, why not ally myself with like minded people."
"Well in any case, I thank you for going through the trouble of having me rescued." Ari said with a calm, regal smile. "However before I decide whether or not I wish to participate any further in this war, I want to speak with her majesty."
"I figured that would be the case." Kenshin said. "This way."
Ari and Kenshin walked through town. "How are your children feeling?" Kenshin asked.
"They were worked hard, like slaves in Grangold. The King there unable to do anything." Ari said.
"King?" Kenshin said.
"The continent of Sentora has four regions, each ruled by a King or Queen. The Gold, Natalia and Sabasa regions all have Kings, while Noah has a Queen. It was put in place to prevent the Demon Queen and her chosen king from getting overworked from having to deal with everyone's issues." Ari said.
"Ah, so it's a delegation process." Kenshin nodded. "How are they feeling since they got here?"
"Better." Ari said. "They need to be worked or they go crazy, but now that I'm actually in control of that. They're doing much better."
"That's good." Kenshin smiled.
"How is her majesty doing right now anyway?" Ari asked.
"She could be better, she recently received some really bad news." Kenshin said.
"I see." Ari said.
Kenshin and Ari soon arrived at the inn and walked upstairs. Kenshin knocked on the door. "Alice." Kenshin said.
"What is it?" A depressed sounding voice said from the other end.
"I've brought Ari, the Ant Queen here, she wishes to speak with you." Kenshin said.
"Don't kid around, the Ant Queen is imprisoned at Grangold." Alice said.
"Well, I was, but I'm here now." Ari said.
The door flung open and Alice stared at the two with wide eyes. "How?"
"Let me in and I'll explain." Kenshin grinned.
"Sure, er...give me a moment." Alice closed the door.
"?" Ari and Kenshin glanced at each other as a bunch of clattering was heard. A few minutes later the door opened again.
"Please come in." Alice said. Kenshin and Ari walked inside. They sat down at a table while Alice coiled around near it. "Explain." Kenshin explained his plan to her and what had happened. "So...let me see if I got this right." Alice said. "You...marched the Revolution to both the Safina desert and Noah. The former cutting a path through impassable mountains while the latter slipped into the Gold Region after you provoked the homunculi into attacking you by destroying part of if not all of the blockade between Sentora and Hellgondo...and that actually worked?"
"I believe the results speak for themselves." Kenshin said leaning back in his chair.
"And to think you've only been here three weeks." Alice said. "Anyway. Ari..." She closed her eyes. "I'm glad to see you're well, but at the same time. I need your help with this Revolution."
"I understand, I just want one thing in return." Ari said.
"What is it?" Alice asked.
"For you to ensure that what happened to me and my daughters and my sons, never happens again." Ari said staring hard at the Demon Queen.
"...You have my word." Alice said closing her eyes.
"No, in case you misheard me. I'm not asking you to interfere every time, I understand your position as Queen of Demons, but I don't want my children being treated like slaves ever again." Ari said.
"I understand. My answer is still the same." Alice said.
"Very well, then I pledge my allegiance to you." Ari said. "I'll be going now."
"Thank you." Alice said.
Ari left the room leaving Kenshin and the Demon Queen alone. "Come on, who da man?" Kenshin said with a grin.
"..." Alice shook her head. "This doesn't change much, Forbesii will just make more."
"Yes, but we scored a win. How long has it been since you've gone on the offensive and won?" Kenshin asked.
"Back when..." Alice glanced away.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes sympathetically. "It's OK to be sad you know." Kenshin said. "Anyone else would be."
"But I am the leader..." Alice said with a sigh.
"..." Kenshin nodded. "You are, but even leaders have moments of sadness and despair..the trick is not letting anyone see it, letting it out sure, but not letting your subjects see it. The morale of the Youkai Revolution flows through you Alice. If you move around defeated, so will everyone else." Kenshin said.
"..." Alice stared at him before a smile worked it's way across her face. "...Thank you. To think...I needed someone, who hasn't even been here a month teach me such an obvious lesson."
"Of course." Kenshin said. "Now, I'll be going."
Kenshin turned to leave when Alice's arms wrapped around his chest. "Alice?"
"Kenshin, I never got the chance to thank you for reviving my Knights." Alice said. "Next to Luka, they are the closest people to me."
"You're welcome." Kenshin said.
"Also, from this point forward, I'm naming you the Vice Commander of the Revolution." Alice said. "You answer to no one else, but me."
"V-Vice Commander?" Kenshin asked. "Are you sure you want to do that?"
"Yes, you've done something we've not been able to do in long while. Win against the Homunculi Army." Alice said.
"It's just one job though, it might not go as well next time." Kenshin said.
"I have faith that it will." Alice said.
"Well thanks, but...wait..." Kenshin went into thought. "I have another idea."
"What is it?" Alice asked.
"Your Kyoto Sector recently just entered the Trinity Alliance between the Factions of Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils and most recently, the Norse Gods...I guess it's not really a Trinity anymore." Kenshin said. "That's where I was before I got here." "Or before I died rather." He added mentally.
"I know vaguely about that. Yasaka sent me an emissary." Alice said. "What are you thinking?"
"I could go and ask them for some assistance." Kenshin said.
"You think that would work?" Alice asked.
"I think it's at least worth a try." Kenshin said.
"Very well then if you think it's the best thing to do." Alice said.
"But, I need to go there with few numbers. I was thinking Granberia, Alma Elma and Erubetie." Kenshin said.
"I understand, if both of us leave, it will open us up to attack." Alice said. "But, I could stand to get out and about, so I'll at least come with you to Yamatai."
"As you wish." Kenshin nodded.
(break)
Five days later.
Kenshin, Alice, Yubelluna, Granberia, Erubetie and Alma Elma proceeded through the Noah Region. "It's really nice here." Kenshin said.
"It is, it's a nice region." Erubetie said with a calm smile.
"That reminds me, Betie, have you been by your home lately?" Alma Elma asked.
"No actually." Erubetie said.
"Well let's swing by there. Undine always did used to comment about how beautiful her spring looked. " Kenshin said.
"Doesn't it seem a little unnecessary?" Alice asked. "We could visit it after you get back."
"Well, how far is it?" Kenshin asked.
"Hmn..." Granberia took out the map and showed it to Erubetie. "Not far at all." The Slime Queen said.
"I could stand to take in the sights a little bit myself, if it's OK with you Lady Alipheese." Granberia said.
"Oh what the hell, why not?" Alice said with a shrug.
"Oooh, can we go to Grand Noah after we get back and visit the Coliseum." Alma Elma said with a sparkle in her eyes.
"No." Alice said.
"But!" Alma Elma, Kenshin and Granberia all said.
"No." Alice said. "Granberia's and Kenshin's battle fanaticism is better served for the battlefield of war, but you Alma, you'll just fuck your opponent into unconsciousness after you win, in the middle of the ring, because people apparently like the free sex show."
"Ara, what if Kenshin or Granby's my opponent though?" Alma Elma said with a wink.
"E-Eh?" Kenshin said.
"Ugh..." Granberia facepalmed.
The group proceeded east, a couple of hours passed when Erubetie stopped. "Wait, something's wrong..." She rushed forward.
"Hey!" Kenshin said taking off after her. "Wait up Erubetie! What's wrong? !"
"No, nononono!" Erubetie said in a panicked voice.
"Erubetie!" Kenshin said as the Slime Queen picked up speed. He eventually caught up to her as she stopped, her eyes overlooking a bay. "!" He looked outward.
"Wh...What happened here?" Erubetie said. "Undine's Spring...it's..."
"Polluted to hell." Kenshin said.
It was true, where once as pristine, clear waters, was now a dark murky mess. Erubetie walked toward the hanging cliff and sunk into the ground. Alice, Granberia and Alma Elma all arrived behind Kenshin.
"Whoa..." Alma Elma said.
"It's been befouled here." Granberia said.
"Dammit Forbesii," Alice growled.
"...Alma." Kenshin said.
"What is it Kenshin-Chan?" Alma Elma asked.
"I need you to fly over the spring and drop as many of these in the water as you can." Kenshin said holding out two large stacks of charms.
"Huh? Why?" Alma Elma said.
"Just do it." Kenshin said.
"Fine Fine, I'm on my way." Alma Elma said taking the charms and flying over the spring.
"What's wrong Kenshin?" Alice asked.
"Seeing her spring turned into this, it's likely making Undine physically ill." Kenshin said. "I'm going to try and clean it up."
"Without the elements at your disposal?" Granberia asked.
"I'm not letting one of the spirits remain ill any longer than I have to." Kenshin said.
Alma Elma came back."Ok Kenshin-Chan they're all in the water."
"OK..." Kenshin took a breath and started flashing through handsigns. "Hyoumenka Suimon: Purification!"
Alice's, Yubelluna's, Alma Elma's and Granberia's eyes all widened as Kenshin's knees buckled and he let out a cry of pain. "Kenshin!" Yubelluna shouts stepping toward him.
"Don't!" Kenshin said. "I can't break my concentration, don't worry, this is normal!"
"..." Granberia looked out toward the spring, the charms were all glowing, and the spring was definitely clearing, but it was doing so slowly.
"Hrrnnnn!" Kenshin groaned out.
"..." Alma Elma stared at Kenshin as blood started to seep from his nose. "Kenshin-Chan..."
"Haa...haa...haa...haa.." Kenshin panted heavily.
"Kenshin, that's enough. You can't take much more of this." Alice said.
(Cough! Cough!)
Kenshin started coughing hoarsely. Finally his hands lowered and all the charms lost power and vanished. He grabbed his chest and started coughing violently. He then suddenly felt a pair of hands grab his face and a pair of slimy lips overlap his own. His urge to cough was lessening. When the lips left him, he opened his eyes to find Undine. "Undine...?"
"You idiot..." Undine said. "You damn idiot..." She repeated.
"Are you OK?" Kenshin asked.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me." Undine shook her head. "What were you thinking? The Purification spells makes you take the befoulment into your own body, at least the essence of it anyway."
"I'm fine Undine," Kenshin said.
"How are you alive again?" Undine asked.
"I'll explain when all of you are together." Kenshin said.
"Very well..." Undine said. "When Erubetie told me just now who revived her, I didn't believe what I was hearing, but...it's good to see you alive and well Kenshin."
"Then..." Kenshin was cut off.
"I don't think now would be a good time. I can't leave my spring like this." Undine said.
"I understand." Kenshin nodded. "I'll be back to try again."
"...Don't overdo it now." Undine said.
"Relax, I'll be fine." Kenshin grinned as he got up. He turned to Erubetie. "Are you going to stay here? I understand if you want to."
"..." Erubetie went silent.
"Where are you going exactly?" Undine asked.
"To request help from the Alliance." Kenshin said. "Basically I'm headed for the Underworld."
"Erubetie, go. I'll be fine." Undine said.
"You're sure?" Erubetie asked, concern in her eyes.
"Yes. I'm already starting to feel a bit better, I'll be fine for the week or two you're gone." Undine said.
"Week or two?" Alice said.
"The flow of time between there and here is warped. A week here, only equates to a day there." Undine said.
"Well, let's get a move on then." Kenshin said.
As Kenshin, Yubelluna, Alice, Alma and Granberia all walked ahead. Erubetie remained back for a moment. "I thought you abhorred war." She asked.
"I do." Undine said with her eyes closed. "But I also realize that Maou Forbesii has got to go. Now run along, I'll still be here when you get back."
"Right." Erubetie said.
(flashback end)
"From there, we went to Yamatai which took a couple of days of travel, came to Kyoto where Yasaka was just on her way to help you all, and the rest is well...history." Kenshin said.
"Jeez you really matured as a leader." Azazel said.
"No, I just got really lucky." Kenshin said. "There was a good chance that plan could have fallen flat on it's face."
"That's a part of war like Raiser's Queen said." Grayfia said.
"OK, let's get out of here." Kenshin said.
Yukari nodded and canceled the spell. Everyone came to in the main room, but Kenshin started coughing. "Are you OK Kenshin?" Rias asked.
"Ack, yeah...I'm just still feeling the effects from taking in all that crap." Kenshin said. "Gaah..."
"How did you get sick from it?" Sona asked.
"Well the charms are connected to my mana and youki. The youki took a hit when I activated all of the charms, but the foul essence went straight to my mana." Kenshin said.
"Then it sounds like you need a Senjutsu healing." Tamamo said.
"Yeah it should only take an hour." Evangeline shrugged.
"I don't mind." Koneko said.
"Ok, in a bit. I've got to go speak with someone right now." Kenshin said as he left the room.
Kenshin walked into the forest and kept walking until he found Vali. "Vali." Kenshin said. "? Why are you in that form?" Kenshin asked seeing him in Juggernaut Overdrive.
"I'm training with it." Vali said.
Kenshin glanced over and saw a line of dirt spots where trees used to be. "I'll say."
"The trees will grow back, the roots are still there." Vali said dropping out of Juggernaut Overdrive. "Before I hear you speak, I want to know one thing."
"Go for it." Kenshin said.
"Did you fight my grandfather?" Vali asked.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "I did."
"..." Vali closed his eyes. "I see."
"I hit him with the Quadruple Giga at the end of it." Kenshin said. "He called you worthless during the fight, does this upset you?"
"No." Vali said.
"I see." Kenshin nodded. "Well onto my proposition. I want you and your team to come to Makai with me."
"Is that right?" Vali asked.
"There is a war going on, and we could use all the help we can get." Kenshin said.
"A war you say?" Vali said.
"Yes. There are a lot of rank and files to go through, but they do have a few strong ones commanding them." Kenshin said.
"Hmn, I could use this as a good excuse to flex my muscles after recovering from Samael's curse." Vali said. "Very well. We know how to get there from the Dimensional Gap, so where do you need to meet us at?"
"Just be at Yamatai Village, that's where we will be coming in at." Kenshin said.
"Very well." Vali nodded. "You have a deal."
"Thank you." Kenshin nodded.
Vali nodded and teleported away after saying. "I'm going to inform my team of this."
Vali reappeared in a separate meadow. He hunched over and immediately punched a tree. "Are you OK, Vali?" Albion asked.
"...That man..." Vali said with a scowl. "Rizevim...I wanted to be the one to kill him."
"You know at your level though, it would have been impossible. Not with his Sacred Gear Canceler." Albion said.
"I know, but then how...how did Kenshin overcome it?" Vali seethed.
"Vali."
"!" Vali's eyes darted left and found Miyuki standing there with a concerned look.
"Are you OK?" Miyuki asked.
"..." Vali stood up straight. "I'm fine."
"..." Miyuki walked up to him and embraced him.
"!, What are you-?" Vali said.
"I never got the chance to thank you for comforting me." Miyuki said
"..." Vali went silent.
"So if you need the same, come and ask me, OK?" Miyuki asked, looking up at him with a smile.
"...OK." Vali said almost without thinking.
"OK then. I'll see you later." Miyuki asked backing away and waving him off.
"That girl..." Vali said after Miyuki left. "How is she able to get under my skin so easily?"
Back with Kenshin. He was walking back to the Gremory Castle when he suddenly stopped and took out his sword. "Come out." He said turning around.
Someone walked forward. "!" Kenshin scowled."Forbesii..."
"Good evening, Vice Commander." Forbesii greeted.
"You decided to come here? Dumb move." Kenshin scowled.
"I am here, but I am not presently here." Forbesii said with an emotionless smile.
"Then why are you?" Kenshin said, not sheathing his sword. "An Astral Projection." He thought.
"Well first, I would like to congratulate you on your success in freeing Ant Queen Ari. It must have taken quite the effort to pull off." Forbesii said.
"..." Kenshin glared at the Juurokudaime Maou.
"But...you should know, that the damage you have done, is being repaired as we speak." Forbesii said.
"So you're cranking out more two bit imitation demons, you must really love watching them go down." Kenshin said.
"Why not? It was working fine until you showed up." Forbesii said.
"Well I'm there now, so shit's not going to go how you want it to anymore." Kenshin said. "And make no mistake Forbesii. Soon we will fight, and you will fall."
"Hmhmhmhm..." Forbesii chuckled. "We'll just see about two bit imitation demons as you called them aren't the only things waiting for you."
"But, while we're having our little parlay. Let me ask you something." Kenshin said.
"What is it?" Forbesii said with the same emotionless smile.
"Why this rage trip against our master? He may have been strict, but he was a kind king and a good person." Kenshin said.
"..." Forbesii stared at him for a moment. "You want to know my reasoning for doing things the way I do?" He closed his eyes and laughed. "Well Kenshin, even if I told you why, I doubt that it would change anything at all."
"You're trying to destroy innocent lives to do this, you're damn right I want to know why." Kenshin said with a glare. "Not to mention my friends, my family and my home!"
"Funny you should bring those things up...what then, about my friends? My family? My home?" Forbesii asked.
"What are you talking about?" Kenshin said with narrowed eyes.
"I was the First Homunculus." Forbesii said. "I had the names of all the homunculi that were to come after programmed into my core. I suppose we were to be used to combat the Fifteenth Demon Queen and Shin Tatsu in the previous war, but that did not happen."
"..." Kenshin kept listening.
"The project was shut down after I was more or less born." Forbesii said. "At least until the previous war was over. Over the course of that war, I was mentored by Shin Tatsu-Shishou, but I had this nagging feeling that something was missing deep down inside. So, he gathered up all the scientists and restarted the project, placing a village of homunculi at the southern border of Hellgondo."
"Not really making any sense." Kenshin grunted.
"The village was destroyed." Forbesii said. "I was out gathering food for my family when I came back to find the village laid to waste, and Shishou was standing amongst the destruction."
"..." Kenshin scowled. "Bullshit."
"Hm?" Forbesii said.
"You're implying that Shin Tatsu laid your village to waste, Bullshit." Kenshin said.
"His mana and youki were all over the place, but believe what you will. Since that day I trained to destroy him, and everything he ever built." Forbesii said. "One of these objectives is already complete."
"Which you will pay dearly for." Kenshin snarled.
"...You know, I don't get why we have to fight." Forbesii said walking around Kenshin. "In the end we are both seeking to achieve the same thing, an end to all the violence and suffering in the world. To bring peace. The measures I have dealt out to Alipheese and those who support her, is no different than what you're trying to do to me. We are both the same. Both striving for our own separate ideals of peace."
"I am nothing like you." Kenshin growled. "You think what you're doing to Makai will result in peace? ! You will only destroy Makai through your fear mongering!"
"It could be said that the World of Demons has been on the path to ruination ever since the Dark Goddess and her first six daughters were tricked into sealing themselves away by the Goddess of Light, Ilias." Forbesii said.
"Grrh!" Kenshin scowled.
"Nonetheless your decision is clear. A shame really you would have been so powerful." Forbesii said. "Go ahead and regain your former strength, and train with that Touki as well."
"...?" Kenshin narrowed his eyes.
"I want to see the look in Alipheese's eyes as I crush her final hope. Before I bring an end to the Fateburn line." Forbesii said as he disappeared.
"...Be careful what you ask for you bastard, you might end up getting more than you bargained for." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin."
"?" Kenshin turned to find Tamamo. "Tamamo?"
"I heard your conversation." Tamamo said. "I'm glad to see you didn't let him get in your head."
"Of course not." Kenshin said. "What is it?"
"Here." Tamamo said handing him a book.
"What is it?" Kenshin said accepting it.
"Shin Tatsu's journal, from back in his old war days all the way through till he became the Avaricious Ryuujin." Tamamo said.
"Thanks." Kenshin said. He stored it away.
"No, thank you." Tamamo said. "For acting when I couldn't...and keeping the Youkai Revolution afloat."
"It's not just afloat. We're going to win this thing." Kenshin said.
"Yes." Tamamo smiled.
Kenshin and Tamamo walked back to the Castle. Irina was talking with Xenovia. "Irina." Kenshin called out.
"Eh?" Irina said. "What is it?"
"Michael got in touch with me earlier. He said you are to represent Heaven in assisting the Youkai Revolution." Kenshin said. "He also said no hard feelings about not telling him."
"Whew." Irina sighed. "Alright, I'll be there."
"OK." Kenshin nodded. "Should probably think about getting to sleep soon."
"Right Right." Both Irina and Xenovia said.
(break)
Next Morning.
It was nearly eight in the morning as Kenshin stood at the gate in Kyoto. With him was Rasai. "..." Kenshin glanced over at the noble son. "You're the guy Sairaorg beat for the heirship, right?"
Rasai bristled a bit, but kept his composure. "I am...he has a Longinus Sacred Gear."
"He told me he didn't use it." Kenshin said. "Went barebones like he does in most situations."
"..." Rasai went silent.
"Look here." Kenshin said making Rasai turn to him. "I don't care what you do to me. I really don't, you wanna take a swing at me you go right ahead, but the second you try and screw over the Revolution, then the gloves come off, got it?" Kenshin asked.
"You don't trust me." Rasai said.
"I don't trust the Great King Faction." Kenshin said. "Your father least of all."
"My father is..." Rasai said.
"Your father is a swine who would sell his own family down the river if he thought it'd get him ahead." Kenshin said gruffly.
"..." Rasai glared at him.
"How did you react when you found out you had a brother anyway?" Kenshin asked.
"..." Rasai said nothing.
"I'm sorry? You're gonna have to speak up." Kenshin goaded.
"I know what you're trying to do, and it won't work." Rasai said. "You don't trust my father fine, but I am not him, so don't treat me like I am."
"Finally a reaction other than stone cold stoicism." Kenshin said.
"It's almost Eight AM, where are they?" Rasai grunted.
"Three, two, one." Kenshin said.
Suddenly the Gremory, Sitri, and Kuroshi peerages, as well as Azazel, Grayfia, Ravel, Raiser, Sextum and Serafall all appeared. Kenshin greeted them. "Hello everyone. Glad you could make it."
"Wouldn't miss it." Yukari said with a smile.
"Kenshin? You're the Vice Commander?" Saji asked.
"Were you not at the meeting?" Kenshin asked.
"No, I was still in the hospital recovering." Saji said. "Whoa..."
"Thank you for not voicing any discontent with us, despite us never really having worked together in any capacity." Sona said.
"First time for everything." Kenshin said with a shrug.
"Kenshin, why did you leave so early this morning?" Rias asked. "There was still plenty of time."
"I had to secure our way to Makai. I told you this before we went to sleep Rias." Kenshin said.
"So we're going to war then." Evangeline asked. "Should be fun." She said with a small smirk.
"Uuuu..." Gasper shivered.
"It'll be OK Gasper, you could probably just help with support." Issei said.
"Th-Thanks Senpai..." Gasper said.
"Eh?" Miyuki looked around. "Where's..." Kenshin cut her off.
"They've secured their own way to Makai and will meet us there." Kenshin said.
"Wait, you've secured our way to Makai? You've been standing here with me for the better part of the last hour." Rasai said.
"I did it before you arrived. Yasaka-Sama's sending her people through first." Kenshin said.
"Yo Kenshin, don't you think this is kind of overkill though?" Azazel asked.
"No." Kenshin said. "The bastard can manufacture an army Azazel. So I need to find a way to even the scales. You all are my answer."
"The prospect of that does warrant a response." Grayfia said.
"We're ready to help however we can Kenshin-Sama." Ravel said.
"Yeah Yeah, whatever. I'm mainly just coming to see how my Queen is doing." Raiser said.
"I'm curious to see the Youkai Homeworld." Serafall said with a smile.
"Kenshin-San." Kenshin turned to find Yasaka and Kunou. "We're ready for your group now."
"OK, everyone lets move." Kenshin said. They nodded and proceeded inward.
Yasaka walked next to Issei. "Hello Sekiryuutei-San." She said.
"O-Oh, hello Y-Yasaka-San." Issei said, still remembering their last encounter.
"Issei-Sama, why are you blushing?" Kunou asked.
"Huhuhuhuhu." Yasaka giggled to herself.
"By the way Kaa-Sama, can I show Issei-Sama my older form sometime?" Kunou asked.
"Older form?" Issei said.
"Yes, Kunou's actually older than she appears, as old as you really." Yasaka said. "But she looks so cute like this so I keep her this way." She teased, petting Kunou's head.
"Kaa-Saaammaaa!" Kunou whined.
"She doesn't care?" Issei asked. "That you keep her like this?"
"Issei, for youkai once you get past a certain point. Age is just a number." Tamamo said. "Besides according to your folklore we're tricksters who can change our form anyway so..." Tamamo trailed off.
"I see." Issei said. "Uhm, sure Kunou. I'd love to see your true form sometime."
"Y-Yes!" Kunou said with a blush.
The group arrived at a portal. "Here we are." Yasaka said.
"OK, once we enter this portal. We do not leave until the job is done. Any of you wishing to back out now, speak up or hold your peace." Kenshin said.
"..." Silence reigned in the air.
"Alright then. Let's get moving." Kenshin said walking into the portal. "Get ready Forbesii you bastard. I'm coming back, and I'm bringing backup with me." Kenshin thought.
(chapter end)
Draconis: Yo Kenshin, how's the cough?
Kenshin: Fine, that Senjutsu healing session really did the trick.
Koneko: You're welcome Senpai.
Draconis: Anyway, next time. The Youkai Revolution gains momentum. See you all then.
Draconis678 out.